Which place is cheaper, Quepos or Dar es Salaam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Quepos?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dar es Salaam and Quepos can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Quepos?
Dar es Salaam
Having grown from a fishing village, Dar es Salaam is now a major city and commercial port on Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast. While it is mainly used as a stopping point on the way to Zanzibar, it has a few unique treasures of its own such as the Kariakoo Market, National Museum, and the open-air Village Museum.
Quepos
Quepos is both a district and the capital of Aguirre canton in the Puntareanas Province of Costa Rica. The town is quite small, and the district has a population of about 22,000 people. Quepos is a popular tourist destination in Costa Rica due to its close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast. The town's economy is centered around tourism and there is no shortage of bars and restaurants in the area. The town also has a lively nightlife for such a small community.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesQuepos Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $493Quepos $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Quepos is $139. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dar es Salaam and Quepos in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $452Quepos $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $904Quepos $152
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Quepos
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Quepos? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dar es Salaam Hotel Prices and Quepos Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $14Quepos $9.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam
Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer/Airport pick up and drop off: $192
- Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $106
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
- Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quepos
Also for Quepos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Manuel Antonio Beach: $300
- Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Manuel Antonio/Quepos : $289
- One-Way Private Transfer from Quepos - Manuel Antonio to Monteverde: $276
- Manuel Antonio & Quepos one way transfer to SJO hotels - Airport up to 5 people.: $274
- Private transfer from Manuel Antonio Quepos to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $269
- Private Transfer from Quepos Port to Liberia Int Airport (LIR): $259
- Transfer from Manuel Antonio to SJO Airport and surroundings : $229
- Private One Way Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José (Airport SJO): $220
- One-Way Private Transfer from Quepos - Manuel Antonio to the Sierpe: $213
- Private Transfer from Manuel Antonio to Nauyaca Waterfalls (Round Trip): $209
- Private Transfer: SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio with Scenic Stop.: $203
- Transfer From San Jose Airport To Manuel Antonio Beach: $135
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Quepos?
Prices for flights to both Quepos and Dar es Salaam change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayDar es Salaam $33Quepos $51
Typical Food Prices in Quepos
For Quepos, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch$15
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Seafood Dinner (for 1)$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quepos
For Quepos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class in Manuel Antonio with Medicinal Plants Garden Visit: $77
- Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio: $77
- Night Mangrove Safari Boat Tour with Dinner | Manuel Antonio: $79
- Local Flavor Cooking Experience: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Quepos $17
Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dar es Salaam.
- Bagamoyo Full-Day Tour: Historic Slave Trade Route & Kaole Ruins: $255
- Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $140
- 2 Days 1 Night Bagamoyo Historical Tour : $300
- Ancient Bagamoyo City Day Tour: $249
- Bagamoyo Adventure, Historical Tour: $238
- Bagamoyo Historical Tour - Everyday: $199
- Bagamoyo Tour: $120
- Bird Watching Tour to Tegetero Forest 2days 1 night: $205
- Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $150
- Dar Es Salaam City tour: $164
- Dar Es Salaam Local Markets and Village-National Museum Day tour: $150
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
Tours and Activities in Quepos
For Quepos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 10 in 1 Tour! Zip Lines, Rappels, Tarzan Swing, Waterfalls & More: $158
- 2-3-Hour Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $28
- 2-Hour Kayak Tour in Quepos Mangroves – See Monkeys & Sloths: $65
- ATV Tour Half Day Trip From Manuel Antonio: $93
- Adventure Sea Kayak and Snorkeling at Manuel Antonio : $80
- All Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure from Manuel Antonio: $88
- All Inclusive Nauyaca Waterfalls Adventure: $132
- All-Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure with Lunch: $93
- All-Inclusive Full day Waterfall Adventure: $117
- All-Inclusive Jungle Night Tour: $59
- Birding at El Rey. (Marshes,rice fields,canals) Private Birding Tour : $120
- Birdwatching Manuel Antonio/ El Rey. (Marshes,rice fields,canals) Group Tour : $129
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.97Quepos $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Quepos, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Quepos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Quepos is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Quepos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Quepos and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dar es Salaam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dar es Salaam than you might in Quepos.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dar es Salaam Expensive? and Is Quepos Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Quepos?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 350 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Quepos, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Dar es Salaam or Quepos?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Quepos in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Quepos. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Quepos receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Quepos. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Quepos during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Dar es Salaam is generally cooler than Quepos. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Quepos 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Quepos in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Quepos. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.
Also, December to April in Quepos is the dry season. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in Quepos. It's quite rainy in Quepos. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Quepos. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dar es Salaam this time of the year. In the autumn, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Quepos. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 169 hours of full sun.
Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Quepos in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Quepos 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Quepos in the Winter?
Both Quepos and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Quepos. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in Quepos. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Quepos during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Quepos. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Quepos averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Quepos 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Quepos in the Spring?
Both Quepos and Dar es Salaam during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dar es Salaam because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.
December to April is the dry season in Quepos. Also, May to November in Quepos is the hurricane season. It rains a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Quepos. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Quepos, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Quepos. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 255 hours of full sun.
In April, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Quepos. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Quepos 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Quepos and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Quepos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.